However, they’ve also learned that there are amazing people in the world, and that if you are truly a good hearted person, and do for others, then good things will come back to you tenfold.The girls saw this many times in the last year, and last weekend the Golden Boy was the recipient of a most recent lesson.

I had a meeting with some fellow teachers over the break (Don’t let anyone tell you that teachers don’t work at home.It’s a lie.) to plan a unit that we will be implementing this month.One of the other teachers has a son in Golden Boy’s class, and we thought they could bowl a few games while we did our planning at those tall tables behind the lanes.(Who needs quiet- we’re USED to chaos.)

After the games, the boys went looking to buy some water bottles.GB had a five dollar bill and was searching and searching for change- and no one working at any of the areas seemed willing to give it to him.I happen to glance up as a man (who was bowling with his family) walked across the lanes toward my son and handed him something.I watched as he told him something, and sent him toward the water machine.

“What did that man give you?” I asked Golden Boy when he returned with his water.

“He gave me the $1.50 and told me that when I was older, I was supposed to do something nice for someone else.”And he looked at me with a serious look on his face, and then broke out in a smile.

That man, who I have never met, taught my middle school son an invaluable lesson.

I thank all of you “angels” out there who do this daily.It might not be money, or gifts, but just by your behavior, your demeanor, your politeness and your generosity, you are teaching all of our children lessons that feel good.

Aww..that's great. He won't soon forget that! Whenever I'm around my nieces or nephews, or any kid for that matter, whenever one of them walks into the room I'm in, I always smile at them. I think they just like to be acknowledged for just being themselves.

Plus, as the 'cool' uncle, I DO have my reputation to keep up with! $5 bills anyone?

Not to toot my own horn here, but I was being waited on at a store and a lady came and asked the clerk(her sister, as she said hey sis...lol), for a quarter to call their mom. Sis said she didn't have a quarter on her and to come back later. I took a quarter out of my purse, not much, I know, and gave it to her and told her to call her mom and be happy that she could do so, as I couldn't do that now(lost her 6 yrs ago). I have no idea what she needed to call her for, but at least she could. And don't I wish I could call my ma.....

That is a great lesson and he will always remember it in a way that transcends typical learning..its an experience to call his own..thanks for posting this..its a great reminder that everyday is an opportunity..!

Yeah.... We had a random act of kindness a few years back, someone bought us dinner so we planned our pay it forward and one day while in our car at McDonald's we told the worker we would like to pay for the car behind us. My girls were able to turn around in their seats and see the look on the faces in the car when they were told their lunch had already been paid for... priceless. I think we are due for another RAK soon.

Your post brought a few tears to my eyes. I believe in the good in people and "practicing random acts of kindness". Thank you so very much for sharing this with everyone. It is an important life lesson, especially in todays world.Take care, Sue

I got money like that once, when I'd lost my mom's last five bucks. One of our family friends saw me balling my eyes out and took pity on me. Told me to run the $$ into the house and tell Mom I found what I thought I'd lost. I never forgot that. Never will.

Hopefully GB remembers the lesson. Every once in a while I do a free treatment for someone who is poor and really needs it. I tell them that someday someone else will need help from them and to help them. Some look at me like I'm crazy and some get it.

A complete strange man gave your son money?!I think you should have asked this strange man to see his driver's license. I'm just in my twenties, childless but from childhood it's been pounded in my head to NEVER accempt money or candy from complete strangers.

Don't forget to tip the waitress. I really DO live on tips....

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About Me

I am a teacher, a writer, and the mother of three children. I've decided I'll never give up. No matter how many battles I lose; no matter how many tears I shed; no matter how many martinis I have to drink, I will continue to fight the good fight! I love to laugh, believe that every day is a new day, and thank God each morning that I am still here.